After Adam Lallana’s Brighton contract expires, he will join as a free agent, with Taylor Harwood-Bellis’ loan from Manchester City now permanent.
Another Premier League player who is out of contract is expected to sign soon; Brentford’s Saman Ghoddos, an offensive midfielder, is expected to sign when his contract expires at the end of June.
At the beginning of the summer transfer window, Russell Martin appears to have determined that Premier League experience was the most important factor. Meanwhile, Southampton is nearing completion of a deal for 30-year-old Ryan Fraser following a fruitful loan spell.
Martin now appears certain to recruit one of Swansea City’s most promising young players upon his return.
Russell Martin wants to sign Swansea City’s Nathan Wood
After taking over as Swansea manager in August 2021, Martin had managed MK Dons for just under two years before moving to South Wales.
Martin initially became acquainted with Flynn Downes while he was a player at Swansea. This 25-year-old is someone Southampton is eager to sign this summer after he performed admirably while on loan at St Mary’s last season.
Journalist Darren Witcoop now claims that Martin is ready to raid his old team by making a move for center defender Nathan Wood.
“Southampton boss Russell Martin will return to former club Swansea to attempt again to sign Nathan Wood,” according to Witcoop on “X.” Although the Swans have previously rejected two of Martin’s proposals, he is now optimistic that he will sign the defender this summer.
The Saints only have three senior center-backs at the club, even with Harwood-Bellis’ acquisition, so it makes likely that they will be looking to add at least one more this summer.
Nathan Wood, the Southampton target, who is he?
bought Wood during the summer transfer window of 2022. Martin felt the young defender had what it took to play out of the back in his style of play.
Wood, who is 22 years old, has made 101 appearances for his senior team and has three caps for England’s under-21 team.
Wood, who stands 6 feet 2 inches tall, is physically strong but also very at ease in the ballroom. He would be a valuable addition to Southampton because he is already aware of what Martin expects from his defenders.
Wood will only become better with age, so if Martin is thus eager to have the defender join the team, he must have a lot of faith in the player he gave his Swansea debut to in the 2022–2023 Championship opener.
Martin showered Wood with praise after that competitive debut, saying, “I think Harry [Darling] really grew after the goal.” Nathan Wood was exceptional, and he continued to become better.
“Nathan was outstanding, but everyone will speak about Harry because of the goal.
We are incredibly thrilled about him and Harry, but you have to keep in mind that he is a young man who has just been with us for six weeks in a new method of working and playing.
With two bids rejected last summer, Southampton will be hoping it’s third time lucky as far as Wood is concerned.
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